Report: Yankees to acquire Brewers CF Cameron

Dec 11, 2008 - 12:58 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Center fielder Melky Cabrera's sub-par season is about to cost him his job in the Bronx, according to a published report.

The New York Yankees are set to deal Cabrera to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for center fielder Mike Cameron, the New York Daily News reported on its web site Thursday.

Cabrera, 24, appeared to be the center fielder of the future for the Yankees entering 2008. But, after batting .249 with eight home runs and 37 RBI in 129 games, New York has reportedly decided to part ways with Cabrera.

According to the report, the Yankees expected Cabrera and Brett Gardner to compete for the job in center field this season, but instead have opted to acquire a veteran presence.

The 35-year-old Cameron, who will bridge the gap until highly-touted prospect Austin Jackson is ready to make the leap to the majors, posted a .243 batting average with 25 home runs and 70 RBI in 120 games with the Brewers last season.

Cameron won two Gold Glove Awards while a member of the Seattle Mariners in 2001 and 2003, also taking home the honor with the San Diego Padres in 2006.

He also made headlines with Mariners in 2002 when he slugged a record-tying four home runs against the Chicago White Sox, all coming during the first five innings.

The Daily News reports that Cameron, who also played with the White Sox, Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets during his 13-year career, will earn $10 million in 2009.